About
The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a 116-acre zoo and botanical garden located north of Orlando, Florida in Sanford. As a not-for-profit organization, it is a leader in conservation, providing experiences that inspire actions on behalf of wildlife.
About Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
We went a few years ago and had such a good time here. We came during the day to see the animals and then came back at night for the Chinese Lantern Festival, and both were just as awesome. During the day the animals were super fun to see. Great for kids, easy to walk, stroller friendly, and enough to keep everyone interested without feeling like you’re hiking 15 miles. My daughter loved it and there were plenty of spots to stop and look around. But the lanterns at night were the showstopper. It was our first time seeing anything like that and we were blown away. Bright, colorful, totally different vibe... almost feels like you’re walking through a storybook. Since then it’s become something we look for every winter back home because we loved it that much. All around great experience, would definitely go again. Perfect little break from the tourist Orlando chaos.
The Sanford Zoo is a must do while in town! My fiance wanted to go for her birthday and I had not been back since I was a kid so I was a little worried. I was extremely pleasently surprised! The exhibits were really nice, the activites were priced well, and the snacks were well priced, satisfactory, and filling. The staff was welcoming and simply amazing in every way. Special shout out to Kelton at the grass feeding attraction for being hilarious, kind, and really making our trip extra special. I loved every second of it and I will be coming back for Brews at the Zoo!
🌟 The Central Florida Zoo’s Asian Lantern Festival is a must‑see annual tradition—trust me, you’ll want to grab your tickets early! The glowing displays are enchanting, interactive, and absolutely stunning. It’s the perfect outing for families, a romantic date night, or a fun adventure with friends. Take your time strolling through the illuminated pathways—there are millions of photo ops everywhere you turn. 📸 Plus, you can enjoy adult beverages along the way. A magical night you won’t forget! 🌙 Don't forget to ❤️ and follow for more adventures. #Centralfloridazoo #lanternfest #zoo
Very cute little zoo. We visited during the lantern festival and it was very impressive. A few attractions were closed and some walkways were closed and it was hard to figure out when events were, otherwise I would have given 5 stars. We saw everything in about 2hr. There's a playground in the center of the park that could easily extend the time there.
We visited the Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in early December, and it was absolutely beautiful. The weather was perfect, which made the entire experience even more enjoyable. The lantern displays were stunning, ranging from small, intricate designs to extra-extra-large installations that were truly impressive. Every turn had something new to look at, and the attention to detail was amazing. There were so many attractions throughout the walk-through, and it felt engaging from start to finish. The entire experience took us about 45 minutes to an hour at a relaxed pace, which was the perfect length to enjoy everything without feeling rushed. It was a wonderful event for all ages and truly a perfect place for the entire family. We would definitely go again! ✨